Shloka 4
तप्यमानं सदाज्ञानान्निरये योऽपि शास्त्रतः । सम्बोधयति लोकं तं तस्मात्पूज्यः पुराणगः
tapyamānaṃ sadājñānānniraye yo'pi śāstrataḥ | sambodhayati lokaṃ taṃ tasmātpūjyaḥ purāṇagaḥ
Even one tormented in hell by constant ignorance—if, in accordance with the scriptures, he awakens and instructs the people—then for that very reason the knower of the Purāṇas is worthy of worship.
Suta Goswami (narrating Purāṇic doctrine to the sages, as typical of Purāṇa discourse)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Bhairava
Significance: Highlights salvific pedagogy: even one suffering ‘naraka’ due to ajñāna becomes venerable by awakening others through śāstra; aligns with Siddhānta’s emphasis that grace (anugraha) operates through instruction that turns souls from bondage toward Śiva.
Role: liberating
Cosmic Event: naraka (hell) as moral-cosmic condition due to ajñāna (not a specific eschatological event, but a didactic cosmic setting).
FAQs
It teaches that ajñāna (ignorance) is a binding pāśa that leads to suffering, but śāstric awakening (right instruction grounded in scripture) liberates; therefore, one who conveys Purāṇic truth becomes worthy of reverence.
By honoring the Purāṇa-knower who awakens society, devotees are guided toward correct Shaiva practice—devotion to Saguna Shiva through Linga-worship—supported by śāstra rather than mere opinion, leading toward purification and grace.
The practical takeaway is to seek śāstric upadeśa, listen to Purāṇa recitation (śravaṇa), and honor the teacher; this supports disciplined japa (e.g., Panchākṣarī ‘Om Namaḥ Śivāya’) and steady Shaiva sādhanā.